2 Days in Venice Itinerary
Gondolas, hidden squares, and timeless beauty in the floating city
Venice is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Built on 118 islands connected by 400 bridges, this city of canals, palaces, and narrow alleyways has enchanted visitors for centuries. In two days, you'll experience the iconic landmarks - St Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride - while also discovering the quieter Venice of neighbourhood bars, hidden churches, and local life. The best advice for Venice? Get lost. Put away your phone, wander into unknown calli (streets), and let the city surprise you. Every wrong turn leads somewhere magical.
Day 1: Iconic Venice & Getting Gloriously Lost
Your first day covers the essential Venice experience - St Mark's, the Doge's Palace, a gondola ride - while leaving plenty of time for the best activity in Venice: wandering with no destination.
Day 1: Iconic Venice & Getting Gloriously Lost
Early St Mark's Square
Arrive at Piazza San Marco before the crowds descend. Watch the light on the basilica's golden mosaics, photograph the campanile without hundreds of heads in shot, and feel the magic of this remarkable space. Grab espresso at Caffe Florian (the world's oldest cafe, open since 1720) or save money at a bar one street back.
St Mark's Basilica
Enter this Byzantine masterpiece covered in 8,000 square metres of gold mosaics. The Pala d'Oro altarpiece contains 250 enamels and nearly 2,000 gems. Skip the free queue by booking online or joining the short paid express line.
Doge's Palace
This Gothic palace was the centre of Venetian power for 700 years. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, see the enormous Great Council Chamber, and imagine the intrigue in these ornate rooms. The Secret Itineraries tour reveals hidden passages and the real prison.
Bacaro Lunch Crawl
Venice's bacari are tiny bars serving cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine by the glass. Start at All'Arco near Rialto, try Cantina Do Mori (oldest in Venice), and end at Cantina Do Spade. Point at what looks good, order un'ombra (glass of wine), and eat standing.
Rialto Bridge & Market
Cross Venice's most famous bridge, crowded but magnificent. Below on the San Polo side, the morning market sells fish, fruit, and vegetables in buildings dating to 1097. Even in afternoon, the area buzzes with local life.
Get Intentionally Lost
From Rialto, head into the San Polo and Dorsoduro neighbourhoods with no map. Follow promising alleyways, cross random bridges, discover hidden squares (campi). This is how you find the real Venice - a beautiful church, a local bakery, kids playing football against ancient walls.
Gondola Ride
Yes, it's expensive and touristy. Yes, it's absolutely worth it. The official rate is £80 for 30 minutes (40 at night). Start from a quiet spot like near the Peggy Guggenheim to avoid waiting. Late afternoon light is beautiful; after dark is magical.
Aperitivo at Campo Santa Margherita
This lively square in Dorsoduro is where students and locals gather at sunset. Bars like Il Caffe and Margaret Duchamp spill onto the campo. It feels genuinely Venetian rather than tourist-oriented.
Dinner at Osteria Alla Bifora
Traditional Venetian cuisine at reasonable prices for this city. Try sarde in saor (sweet-sour sardines), bigoli in salsa (thick pasta with anchovy sauce), or fegato alla veneziana (liver with onions - better than it sounds). Reservation recommended.
Venice Budget Reality
Venice is expensive - accept it and budget accordingly. Eating standing at bars saves 30% over sitting. Water from fountains (marked 'acqua potabile') is free and delicious. The vaporetto (water bus) tourist day pass (£25) is essential.
Day 2: Islands & Hidden Venice
Today combines a morning trip to the colourful islands of Murano and Burano with an afternoon exploring Venice's quieter corners and hidden treasures.
Day 2: Islands & Hidden Venice
Vaporetto to Murano
Take line 4.1 or 4.2 from Fondamente Nove to Murano (45 minutes). This island has been Venice's glass-making centre since 1291, when furnaces were moved here to prevent city fires. Watch master glassblowers create intricate pieces.
Burano Island
Continue on line 12 to Burano (30 minutes), the most photogenic island with its neon-bright painted houses. Legend says fishermen painted houses bright colours to find home in fog. Wander the canals, photograph every corner, and buy handmade lace.
Lunch on Burano
Eat seafood at Trattoria al Gatto Nero (book ahead for waterside tables) or grab simpler fare at Da Romano. The risotto de gò (goby fish) is a Burano speciality - utterly delicious.
Return via Torcello (Optional)
The oldest settled island has a Byzantine cathedral with stunning mosaics and only 14 residents. Very peaceful, very atmospheric. Or head directly back to Venice if time is short.
Explore Cannaregio
Back in Venice, explore the city's northernmost neighbourhood. The Jewish Ghetto (the original ghetto, from 1516) has meaningful history. Quieter canals and authentic local bars reward wandering.
Sunset from Fondamente Nove
This northern waterfront offers views across the lagoon to the cemetery island of San Michele and the distant mountains. Less famous than other viewpoints, it's peaceful and local.
Final Venetian Dinner
For a special final meal, try Antiche Carampane in San Polo - exceptional seafood, no tourist menus, local clientele. Book well ahead. For something simpler, Paradiso Perduto in Cannaregio has live jazz and good pasta.
Night Walk Through Venice
After dinner, walk back through Venice at night. The city transforms - empty alleys, illuminated palaces reflected in dark canals, the occasional footstep echoing. This is the Venice that has inspired artists for centuries.
Acqua Alta
From October to March, high tides can flood St Mark's Square and low-lying areas. Check forecasts at comune.venezia.it/maree. Pack waterproof shoes or buy cheap wellies from any corner shop. Raised walkways appear during floods.
Where to Stay in Venice
Staying within Venice (not Mestre on the mainland) is essential for the full experience. Dorsoduro offers local atmosphere near good restaurants. San Marco is central but crowded. Cannaregio has good value and authentic feel. Budget for £150-300/night for decent accommodation.
Family Accommodation
Hotel Palazzo Stern in Dorsoduro has family rooms and a canal terrace. Residenza de L'Osmarin near San Marco offers apartment-style suites with kitchens. For budget, Generator Venice (Giudecca island) has private family rooms.
Getting To and Around Venice
From Marco Polo airport, take the Alilaguna boat (£15, 90 minutes) directly to Venice - arrive in style via lagoon. Water bus passes (£25/day) cover vaporettos and are essential for island trips. Otherwise, walk - Venice is only 3km wide.
Avoiding Crowds
Venice is overwhelmed by day-trippers (25+ million visitors annually). The city is manageable before 10am and after 6pm. Stay overnight to experience Venice in its quiet moments - early morning and late evening are magical.
Three Days in Venice?
If you have a third day, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (excellent modern art), explore the Giudecca island, take a food tour through the market, or simply continue getting lost. Venice rewards slow exploration - there's no such thing as too much time here.
You'll carry everything over bridges with steps - wheels are useless. Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and waterproofs for acqua alta season. Our Venice packing list helps you prepare.
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